tarnation

Etymology
From, influenced by (from ); see.

Noun

 * 1)  The act or process of damnation or reprobation; hell.
 * What in tarnation is going on?
 * 1)  Someone or something that causes trouble; troublemaker.
 * What in tarnation is going on?
 * 1)  Someone or something that causes trouble; troublemaker.
 * What in tarnation is going on?
 * 1)  Someone or something that causes trouble; troublemaker.

Adjective

 * 1) Bothersome; devilish.

Adverb

 * 1) Very; extremely.

Usage notes
This New Englandism has fallen out of use in New England, but is remembered for its colorfulness and is still used in the Southeastern United States as a minced oath, where ‘hell’ or ‘damn’ would otherwise be said, especially in the phrase "what in tarnation".